Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

Exeter secured a narrow 44-41 victory over Benetton, thanks to a late penalty kick by Henry Slade, setting up a semi-final match against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts had taken the lead with 15 minutes remaining through Jacob Umaga's try, but Slade's penalty leveled the score, and he sealed the win with another kick in the 78th minute, sparking frustration among the home fans. The first half was marked by a frantic pace, with Exeter leading 14-7 after Olly Woodburn's early try and a penalty try, before extending their lead to 24-14. However, the hosts drew level at halftime following an impressive try by Onisi Ratave and Umaga's conversion and penalty. In the second half, Exeter regained the lead through Harvey Skinner's converted try, but Benetton fought back through Bautista Bernasconi's score. The visitors then took a 38-31 lead when Andrea Zambonin crossed the line, only for Umaga to kick a penalty and score a try, giving Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Nevertheless, Slade's decisive kick secured Exeter's win. In another match, reigning Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15, advancing to a semi-final against Bath. Bordeaux's defense held strong against Toulouse's early pressure, before Maxime Lamothe scored off a maul in the 23rd minute. The visitors responded instantly, but a red card given to Dorian Aldegheri for a high-danger challenge late in the first half affected the game's dynamics. Toulouse took the lead into halftime, but Bordeaux rallied in the second half, with Matthieu Jalibert collecting his own kick and diving over. Ben Tameifuna's score and Maxime Lucu's long-range penalty helped Bordeaux take control, before Arthur Retiere sealed the win with a try in the corner, and Lucu added another penalty.