Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Decisive 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 match saw numerous lead changes, with Jacob Umaga's try giving Benetton a 41-38 lead with 15 minutes remaining. However, Slade's penalty leveled the score four minutes later, and he sealed the victory with another penalty in the 78th minute, sparking outrage among the home fans. The first half was marked by a frenzy of scoring, with Exeter taking a 14-7 lead through Olly Woodburn's try and a penalty try. They extended their lead to 24-14 after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. Benetton fought back to level the score at halftime, thanks to Onisi Ratave's outstanding try 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 drag Benetton back level. The visitors then took a 38-31 lead when Andrea Zambonin scored from short range. Umaga's second penalty and subsequent try put Benetton in front, but Slade's decisive kick ultimately won the game for Exeter. In another quarter-final match, Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15, setting up a semi-final against Bath. Bordeaux's defense held strong against Toulouse's early surge, and Maxime Lamothe's try off a maul in the 23rd minute gave them the lead. Toulouse responded instantly, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri late in the first half hindered their chances. Despite this, Toulouse took a 12-5 lead into halftime. Bordeaux rallied in the second half, with Matthieu Jalibert collecting his own kick and diving over. Ben Tameifuna's try and Maxime Lucu's long-range penalty put Bordeaux in control, and Arthur Retiere's try in the corner sealed the win, with Lucu adding another penalty for good measure.