Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

A dramatic penalty kick by Henry Slade in the 78th minute sealed Exeter's 44-41 win over Benetton, setting up a semi-final match against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts, Benetton, had taken the lead with 15 minutes remaining through Jacob Umaga's try, but Slade's leveler four minutes later and subsequent winner sparked outrage among the home fans. The first half was intense, with Exeter leading 14-7 after Olly Woodburn scored and a penalty try was awarded, and then extending their lead to 24-14 with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, Benetton leveled the score by halftime, thanks to an outstanding try from Onisi Ratave and Umaga's conversion and penalty. Exeter regained the lead two minutes into the second half with 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, only for Slade's decisive kick. In another match, Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final against Bath. Toulouse started strongly but Bordeaux's defense held firm, and Maxime Lamothe powered over in the 23rd minute. Toulouse replied instantly, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri late in the first half for a high-danger challenge gave Bordeaux an advantage. Toulouse took the lead into the break, but Bordeaux rallied in the second half. Matthieu Jalibert scored after collecting his own kick, and Ben Tameifuna barged over, with Maxime Lucu landing a long-range penalty. Arthur Retiere's try and Lucu's penalty sealed the win for Bordeaux.