Exeter Claims Thrilling Win Over Benetton with Slade's Late Penalty

In a nail-biting finish, Henry Slade's penalty kick secured Exeter's 44-41 victory over Benetton, setting the stage for a semi-final showdown against Ulster in Belfast. After Jacob Umaga's try gave Benetton a 41-38 lead with 15 minutes remaining, Slade's penalty leveled the score four minutes later. The decisive blow came in the 78th minute when Slade split the posts once more, sparking fury among the home fans. The first half was marked by a frantic pace, with Exeter taking a 14-7 lead courtesy of Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try. They further extended their advantage to 24-14 after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, the hosts drew level at halftime following an exceptional try from Onisi Ratave, complemented by Umaga's conversion and penalty. Exeter regained the lead two minutes into the second half with Harvey Skinner's converted try, only for Bautista Bernasconi to pull Benetton level. The visitors then took a 38-31 lead when Andrea Zambonin scored from short range in the 48th minute. Umaga's second penalty in the 63rd minute and his subsequent try, which he converted, handed Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Nonetheless, Slade's kicking prowess ultimately decided the outcome. In another quarter-final match, Investec Champions Cup titleholders Bordeaux overcame Toulouse 30-15, earning a semi-final berth against Bath. Toulouse made a strong start at Stade Chaban-Delmas but Bordeaux's defense held firm until Maxime Lamothe powered over in the 23rd minute. The visitors responded immediately from the restart as Yoram Moefana failed to catch the kick-off, allowing Romain Ntamack to dart in on the right. A late first-half stoppage occurred after Toulouse prop Dorian Aldegheri made head contact with Damian Penaud, resulting in a 20-minute red card. Despite this, Toulouse took the lead into the break following a sweeping passing move that sent Teddy Thomas racing clear down the right. Bordeaux regained control in the second half, with Matthieu Jalibert collecting his own kick through before diving over. Toulouse's Antoine Dupont received a yellow card in the 56th minute for a trip, and Bordeaux capitalized on this advantage. Ben Tameifuna barged over, and Maxime Lucu landed a long-range penalty just after the hour, securing Bordeaux's quarter-final victory. Any hopes of a late Toulouse comeback were extinguished when Arthur Retiere touched down Bordeaux's fourth try in the corner, followed by Lucu's penalty.