Exeter Triumphs Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

In a nail-biting finish, Henry Slade's late penalty secured Exeter's 44-41 victory over Benetton, setting the stage for a Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster in Belfast. Benetton had taken the lead with 15 minutes remaining through Jacob Umaga's try, but Slade's penalty leveled the score four minutes later. He then sealed the win with another penalty in the 78th minute, leaving the home crowd frustrated. 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 further extended their lead to 24-14 after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, the hosts equalized at the break, thanks to an outstanding try from Onisi Ratave and Umaga's conversion and penalty. Exeter regained the lead two minutes into the second half with Harvey Skinner's converted try, only for Bautista Bernasconi to level the score for Benetton. Andrea Zambonin's try in the 48th minute put Exeter ahead 38-31, but Umaga's second penalty and subsequent try gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's kicking proved decisive. In another match, Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final against Bath. Toulouse made a strong start at Stade Chaban-Delmas but Bordeaux's defense held firm until Maxime Lamothe scored off a maul in the 23rd minute. The visitors responded immediately, with Romain Ntamack darting in on the right after Yoram Moefana failed to catch the kick-off. A late first-half stoppage occurred when Toulouse prop Dorian Aldegheri was given a 20-minute red card for a high-danger challenge on Damian Penaud. Despite this, Toulouse took a 12-5 lead into the break, courtesy of a sweeping passing move that sent Teddy Thomas clear down the right. After the break, Bordeaux rallied, with Matthieu Jalibert collecting his own kick through and diving over. Toulouse's Antoine Dupont was then shown a yellow card for a trip, allowing Bordeaux to take control of the tie. Ben Tameifuna barged over, and Maxime Lucu landed a long-range penalty just after the hour, before Arthur Retiere touched down Bordeaux's fourth try in the corner, sealing the win.