Exeter Clinches Victory with Slade's Winning Penalty Against Benetton

Henry Slade's late penalty secured a thrilling 44-41 win for Exeter 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 penalty leveled the score, and he sealed the victory with another penalty in the 78th minute, sparking outrage among the home fans. The first half was marked by a frantic pace, with Exeter leading 14-7 early on after Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try, before extending their lead to 24-14 with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. Benetton fought back to level the score at halftime, thanks to an outstanding try from Onisi Ratave, a conversion, and a penalty from Umaga. Exeter regained the lead in the second half with Harvey Skinner's converted try, but Benetton drew level through Bautista Bernasconi. The visitors then took a 38-31 lead when Andrea Zambonin scored, only for Umaga to kick a penalty and score a try, giving Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. However, Slade's decisive penalty sealed the win for Exeter. In another match, Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final against Bath. Bordeaux's defense held firm against Toulouse's strong start, before Maxime Lamothe scored off a maul in the 23rd minute. Toulouse responded instantly, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri late in the first half gave Bordeaux an advantage. Despite this, Toulouse took a 12-5 lead into the break, only for Bordeaux to rally in the second half. Matthieu Jalibert collected his own kick and dove over, before Ben Tameifuna barged over, and Maxime Lucu landed a long-range penalty, securing Bordeaux's win. Arthur Retiere's late try and Lucu's penalty sealed the victory, ending any hopes of a Toulouse comeback.