Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

In a nail-biting finish, Henry Slade's late penalty secured Exeter's 44-41 win over Benetton, setting up a semi-final against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts had taken the lead with 15 minutes remaining through Jacob Umaga's try, but Slade's precision kicking ultimately decided the outcome, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The first half had been a high-scoring affair, with Exeter initially leading 14-7 after Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty extended Exeter's advantage to 24-14. However, Benetton fought back to level the score by halftime, thanks to an outstanding try from Onisi Ratave 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 score for Benetton. The visitors then pulled ahead 38-31 after Andrea Zambonin's try, but Umaga's penalty and subsequent try gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's decisive penalty sealed the win for Exeter. In another quarter-final match, Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final against Bath. Bordeaux's defense held firm despite Toulouse's strong start, and Maxime Lamothe's try off a maul gave the visitors the lead. Toulouse responded 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 secure the win.