Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

In a nail-biting finish, Henry Slade sealed Exeter's win over Benetton with a penalty kick, securing a 44-41 victory and a spot in the Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster. The match saw numerous lead changes, with Jacob Umaga's try giving Benetton a 41-38 lead, only for Slade to level the score and eventually win it with a penalty in the 78th minute. The first half was marked by a series of intense plays, including an early try by Olly Woodburn and a penalty try, which gave Exeter a 14-7 lead. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty further extended Exeter's lead to 24-14. However, Benetton fought back with an outstanding try from Onisi Ratave, a conversion, and a penalty from Umaga, leveling the score at the break. The second half saw Harvey Skinner's converted try giving Exeter the lead once more, but Bautista Bernasconi and Andrea Zambonin's tries kept the hosts in the game. Umaga's penalty and try gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute, but Slade's decisive kick sealed the win for Exeter. In another Champions Cup match, Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15, setting up a semi-final against Bath. Bordeaux's defense held strong despite Toulouse's strong start, with Maxime Lamothe scoring off a maul in the 23rd minute. The visitors responded instantly, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri in the first half and a yellow card for Antoine Dupont in the second half hindered Toulouse's chances. Bordeaux rallied with tries from Matthieu Jalibert and Ben Tameifuna, and Maxime Lucu's penalty and Arthur Retiere's try secured their victory.