Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

In a nail-biting finish, Henry Slade's late penalty sealed Exeter's 44-41 win over Benetton, setting up a semi-final Challenge Cup match against Ulster in Belfast. After Jacob Umaga's try gave the hosts a 41-38 lead with 15 minutes remaining, Slade kicked a penalty to level the score four minutes later and then secured the win with another penalty in the 78th minute, sparking outrage among the home crowd. The first half was marked by a frenetic pace, with Exeter taking a 14-7 lead thanks to an early try by Olly Woodburn and a penalty try, before extending their advantage to 24-14 with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, the hosts drew level at halftime following an impressive try by Onisi Ratave and Umaga's conversion and penalty. Exeter regained the lead early in the second half with Harvey Skinner's converted try, but Bautista Bernasconi's effort brought Benetton back level. Although Andrea Zambonin's try put Exeter ahead 38-31, Umaga's second penalty and subsequent try gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's kicking proved decisive. In another match, Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final against Bath. Bordeaux's defense held firm against Toulouse's strong start, and Maxime Lamothe's try off a maul in the 23rd minute put the visitors ahead. Toulouse responded instantly, but a red card given to Dorian Aldegheri for a high-danger challenge late in the first half hindered their progress. Despite this, Toulouse took the lead into the break and extended it with an early second-half penalty. Bordeaux rallied, however, with Matthieu Jalibert collecting his own kick and diving over, before Ben Tameifuna and Arthur Retiere added further tries to seal the win.