Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

Exeter secured a narrow 44-41 win over Benetton, thanks to a late penalty kick by Henry Slade, setting up a Challenge Cup semi-final match against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts, Benetton, had taken the lead with 15 minutes remaining through a try by Jacob Umaga, but Slade's penalty leveled the score four minutes later. Slade sealed the victory with another penalty in the 78th minute, sparking outrage among the home fans. The first half was marked by a flurry of activity, with Exeter taking an early 14-7 lead through Olly Woodburn's try and a penalty try. They extended their lead to 24-14 after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scored and Slade added a conversion and a penalty. Benetton fought back to level the score at halftime, with an impressive try from Onisi Ratave, followed by a conversion and penalty from Umaga. However, Exeter regained the lead two minutes into the second half through Harvey Skinner's converted try. Although Bautista Bernasconi equalized for Benetton, Exeter took a 38-31 lead when Andrea Zambonin scored in the 48th minute. Umaga's second penalty and subsequent try, which he converted, gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute, but Slade's decisive kick ultimately decided the outcome. In another match, reigning Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15, setting up a semi-final clash against Bath. Toulouse made a strong start but Bordeaux's defense held firm, and Maxime Lamothe scored off a maul in the 23rd minute. Toulouse responded instantly, with Romain Ntamack scoring after Yoram Moefana failed to catch the kickoff. A late first-half stoppage occurred when Toulouse prop Dorian Aldegheri was given a 20-minute red card for a high-danger challenge on Damian Penaud. Despite this, Toulouse took a 12-5 lead into the break, courtesy of a sweeping passing move that sent Teddy Thomas clear down the right. After Thomas Ramos strengthened Toulouse's advantage with an early second-half penalty, Bordeaux fought back. Matthieu Jalibert collected his own kick-through and dove over, before Ben Tameifuna barged over and Maxime Lucu landed a long-range penalty just after the hour. Bordeaux sealed the win with six minutes left, as Arthur Retiere touched down their fourth try, and Lucu slotted over another penalty.