Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Decisive Penalty

Henry Slade's late penalty sealed Exeter's 44-41 win over Benetton, securing a Challenge Cup semi-final spot against Ulster. Jacob Umaga's try had put Benetton ahead 41-38 with 15 minutes left, but Slade's penalty leveled the score, and he kicked another in the 78th minute to win the game. The match was intense from the start, with Exeter leading 14-7 after Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try. Exeter extended their lead to 24-14 with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, Benetton leveled the score at halftime with Onisi Ratave's outstanding try, Umaga's conversion, and penalty. The second half saw Harvey Skinner's converted try put Exeter in front, but Bautista Bernasconi's score brought Benetton level. Andrea Zambonin's try gave Exeter a 38-31 lead, but Umaga's penalty and try put Benetton ahead. Slade's decisive penalty ultimately won the game for Exeter. In another 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 gave them the lead. Toulouse replied with Yoram Moefana's try, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri and a yellow card for Antoine Dupont hindered their chances. Bordeaux took control with Matthieu Jalibert's try, Ben Tameifuna's score, and Maxime Lucu's penalty, before Arthur Retiere's try and Lucu's penalty sealed the win.