Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

A penalty kick by Henry Slade in the 78th minute sealed Exeter's 44-41 win over Benetton, setting up a semi-final match against Ulster in Belfast. Earlier, Jacob Umaga's try had given Benetton a 41-38 lead, but Slade's accuracy from the tee proved decisive, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The first half was marked by a frenetic pace, with Exeter taking a 14-7 lead through Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try. They extended their advantage to 24-14 after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, Benetton levelled the score by halftime, thanks to Onisi Ratave's outstanding try and Umaga's conversion and penalty. The second half saw Exeter regain the lead through Harvey Skinner's converted try, only for Bautista Bernasconi to level the scores for Benetton. Exeter then took a 38-31 lead when Andrea Zambonin scored, but Umaga's penalty and try gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's penalty secured Exeter's victory. In another match, Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15 to advance to the semi-finals against Bath. Bordeaux's defence held strong despite Toulouse's strong start, and Maxime Lamothe's try off a maul gave them the lead. Toulouse replied instantly, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri late in the first half hindered their progress. Bordeaux rallied in the second half, with Matthieu Jalibert and Ben Tameifuna scoring tries, and Maxime Lucu landing a long-range penalty to seal the win.