Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

In a nail-biting finish, a late penalty kick by Henry Slade allowed Exeter to narrowly defeat Benetton 44-41, securing their spot in the Challenge Cup semi-finals against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts, Benetton, had taken the lead 41-38 with just 15 minutes remaining, thanks to a try from Jacob Umaga. However, Slade's precision kicking leveled the score four minutes later and then sealed the win for Exeter with another successful penalty in the 78th minute, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The first half was marked by a frenetic pace, with Exeter initially leading 14-7 after an early try from Olly Woodburn and a penalty try. They extended their lead to 24-14 with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. Benetton fought back, with an outstanding try from Onisi Ratave, a conversion, and a penalty from Umaga, leveling the score at halftime. Exeter regained the lead early in the second half with a converted try from Harvey Skinner, only for Bautista Bernasconi to draw Benetton level once more. Andrea Zambonin's try in the 48th minute put Exeter ahead 38-31, but Umaga's second penalty and subsequent try, which he converted, gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's decisive kicking secured Exeter's victory. In another match, Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux overcame Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final clash with Bath. Toulouse made a strong start at Stade Chaban-Delmas but Bordeaux's defense held firm until Maxime Lamothe powered over in the 23rd minute. The visitors responded immediately from the restart, with Yoram Moefana failing to catch the kick-off, allowing Romain Ntamack to dart in on the right. A late first-half stoppage occurred after Toulouse prop Dorian Aldegheri made head contact with Damian Penaud, resulting in a 20-minute red card for the high-danger challenge. Despite this, Toulouse took the lead into the break with a sweeping passing move that sent Teddy Thomas clear down the right. After the interval, Bordeaux regained control of the tie. Matthieu Jalibert collected his own kick through and dove over, while Toulouse's Antoine Dupont was yellow-carded for a trip in the 56th minute. Ben Tameifuna's try and Maxime Lucu's long-range penalty just after the hour mark solidified Bordeaux's lead. Any hopes of a Toulouse comeback were extinguished with six minutes left, as Arthur Retiere touched down Bordeaux's fourth try, followed by another Lucu penalty.