Exeter Edges Out Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

Henry Slade's late penalty sealed Exeter's 44-41 victory over Benetton, setting up a Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster. After Jacob Umaga gave Benetton a 41-38 lead, Slade leveled the score with a penalty and then kicked the winning points in the 78th minute, sparking outrage among the home fans. The first half was marked by a frantic pace, with Exeter taking a 14-7 lead through Olly Woodburn's try and a penalty try. They extended their advantage to 24-14 after 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. The second half saw Exeter regain the lead through Harvey Skinner's converted try, but Benetton fought back through Bautista Bernasconi. Exeter then took a 38-31 lead when Andrea Zambonin scored, but Umaga's penalty and try gave Benetton the lead. Slade's decisive penalty secured Exeter's win. In another match, 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 scored off a maul in the 23rd minute. Toulouse replied instantly, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri and a yellow card for Antoine Dupont hindered their chances. Bordeaux took control of the tie with tries from Matthieu Jalibert, Ben Tameifuna, and Arthur Retiere, and Maxime Lucu's penalties sealed the win.