Exeter Claims Thrilling 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 match against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts had taken the lead with 15 minutes remaining through Jacob Umaga's try, but Slade's penalty leveled the score, and he sealed the victory with another kick in the 78th minute, sparking outrage among the home fans. The first half was marked by a frenetic pace, with Exeter taking a 14-7 lead 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, the hosts fought back to level the score at halftime, courtesy of 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, but Benetton drew level once more. The visitors retook the lead when Andrea Zambonin scored in the 48th minute, only for Umaga to kick a penalty and score a try, giving Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's precise kicking decided the outcome. In another quarter-final match, reigning Investec Champions Cup champions Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15, earning a semi-final berth against Bath. Despite Toulouse's strong start, Bordeaux's defense held firm, and Maxime Lamothe's try off a maul in the 23rd minute put them ahead. Toulouse responded immediately, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri late in the first half hindered their progress. Bordeaux rallied in the second half, with Matthieu Jalibert and Ben Tameifuna scoring tries, and Maxime Lucu landing a long-range penalty to seal the win.