Exeter Clinch Thrilling Win Over Benetton with Slade's Late Penalty

Henry Slade's late penalty kick secured a nail-biting 44-41 victory for Exeter over Benetton, setting up a semi-final showdown against Ulster in Belfast. The match saw a series of dramatic turns, with Jacob Umaga's try giving Benetton a 41-38 lead with 15 minutes remaining. However, Slade's penalty leveled the score four minutes later, and he sealed the win with another penalty in the 78th minute, sparking outrage among the home fans. The first half was marked by a frantic 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. Benetton fought back to level the score at halftime, courtesy of Onisi Ratave's outstanding try, Umaga's conversion, and penalty. The second half saw Exeter regain the lead through Harvey Skinner's converted try, only for Bautista Bernasconi to drag Benetton back level. The visitors then took a 38-31 lead when Andrea Zambonin crossed from short range, but Umaga's second penalty and subsequent try gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's decisive kick sealed the win for Exeter. In another quarter-final match, Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux overcame Toulouse 30-15, setting up a semi-final against Bath. Bordeaux's defense held firm against Toulouse's strong start, before Maxime Lamothe powered over off a maul in the 23rd minute. The visitors responded instantly, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri late in the first half hindered Toulouse's progress. Despite this, they took a 12-5 lead into the break, only for Bordeaux to rally in the second half. Matthieu Jalibert collected his own kick to dive over, and Ben Tameifuna barged over to give Bordeaux control of the tie. Arthur Retiere's try in the corner and Maxime Lucu's penalty sealed the win for Bordeaux, ending any hopes of a late comeback by Toulouse.