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 showdown against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts had taken the lead with Jacob Umaga's try, but Slade's precision kicking ultimately decided the outcome, sparking frustration among the home fans. The first half was marked by a frenetic pace, with Exeter initially leading 14-7 thanks to 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. However, Benetton levelled the score by half-time, courtesy of Onisi Ratave's outstanding try, Umaga's conversion, and a 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 took a 38-31 lead when Andrea Zambonin scored, but Umaga's penalty and try put Benetton in front. Ultimately, Slade's penalty in the 78th minute sealed the win for Exeter. In another quarter-final match, Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15, earning a semi-final spot against Bath. Despite Toulouse's strong start, Bordeaux's defence held firm, and Maxime Lamothe's try gave them the lead. Toulouse replied instantly, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri in the first half hindered their progress. The visitors took the lead in the second half, but Bordeaux rallied with tries from Matthieu Jalibert and Ben Tameifuna, ultimately securing the win with Arthur Retiere's try and Maxime Lucu's penalty.