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 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 precision kicking ultimately decided the outcome, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The first half was marked by a frenetic pace, with Exeter initially leading 14-7 after Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try. They extended their advantage to 24-14 with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, Benetton levelled the score by halftime through Onisi Ratave's outstanding try, Umaga's conversion, and a penalty. The second half saw Exeter regain the lead through Harvey Skinner's converted try, only for Bautista Bernasconi to level the score for Benetton. Exeter then pulled ahead 38-31 after Andrea Zambonin's try, but Umaga's penalty and subsequent try gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's decisive kick sealed the win for Exeter. In another quarter-final match, reigning Investec Champions Cup champions Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15, earning a semi-final berth against Bath. Toulouse started strongly but Bordeaux's defence held firm, and Maxime Lamothe's try off a maul gave them the lead. Although Toulouse replied instantly, Bordeaux's resilience and subsequent tries from Matthieu Jalibert, Ben Tameifuna, and Arthur Retiere, coupled with Maxime Lucu's precise kicking, secured their victory.