Exeter Secures Thrilling Win Over Benetton with Late Slade Penalty

A nail-biting penalty kick by Henry Slade in the 78th minute sealed Exeter's narrow 44-41 victory over Benetton, setting the stage for a semi-final showdown against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts had taken a 41-38 lead with just 15 minutes remaining, courtesy of Jacob Umaga's try, but Slade's precision kicking ultimately proved decisive, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The first half was a frenetic affair, with Exeter establishing a 14-7 advantage through Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try, before extending their lead to 24-14 thanks to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's effort and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, Benetton drew level by the break, with Onisi Ratave's outstanding try and Umaga's conversion and penalty ensuring the scores were tied. Exeter regained the lead two minutes into the second half through Harvey Skinner's converted try, but Bautista Bernasconi soon levelled the scores for Benetton. Andrea Zambonin's try from short range put Exeter 38-31 ahead in the 48th minute, only for Umaga to kick his second penalty and score a try - which he converted - to give Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's late penalty proved the difference. In another quarter-final tie, reigning Investec Champions Cup champions Bordeaux overcame Toulouse 30-15 to book a semi-final date with Bath. Toulouse had made a strong start at Stade Chaban-Delmas, but Bordeaux's defence held firm before Maxime Lamothe powered over off a maul in the 23rd minute. The visitors responded instantly from the restart, with Yoram Moefana failing to catch the kick-off and Romain Ntamack eventually darting in on the right. A late first-half stoppage occurred after Toulouse prop Dorian Aldegheri made head contact with Damian Penaud's shoulder, resulting in a 20-minute red card for the high-danger challenge. Toulouse took a 12-5 lead into the break, but Bordeaux fought back in the second half. Matthieu Jalibert collected his own kick through and dove over, before Ben Tameifuna barged over and Maxime Lucu landed a long-range penalty just after the hour. Any hopes of a Toulouse comeback were extinguished with six minutes left, as Arthur Retiere touched down Bordeaux's fourth try in the corner, with Lucu slotting over another penalty to seal the win.