Exeter Claim Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Decisive Penalty

A dramatic late penalty kick by Henry Slade sealed Exeter's 44-41 win over Benetton, setting up a semi-final match against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts had taken the lead through Jacob Umaga's try with 15 minutes remaining, but Slade's accurate kicking ensured Exeter's victory, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The first half was marked by a series of intense exchanges, with Exeter initially leading 14-7 after Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try. They extended their lead to 24-14 following Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, the hosts levelled the score by the break, 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, only for Bautista Bernasconi to level the scores for Benetton. As the match reached its climax, Andrea Zambonin's try put Exeter 38-31 ahead, but Umaga's penalty and subsequent try gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's decisive penalty in the 78th minute secured Exeter's win. In another quarter-final match, Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final against Bath. Despite Toulouse's strong start, Bordeaux's defence held firm, and they took the lead through Maxime Lamothe's try in the 23rd minute. The visitors responded instantly, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri late in the first half gave Bordeaux an advantage. Toulouse briefly took the lead in the second half, but Bordeaux rallied with tries from Matthieu Jalibert and Ben Tameifuna, and Maxime Lucu's penalty sealed the win. Arthur Retiere's late try and Lucu's subsequent penalty ensured Bordeaux's victory, ending any hopes of a Toulouse comeback.