Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

A dramatic late penalty by Henry Slade sealed Exeter's 44-41 victory over Benetton, securing a semi-final spot in the Challenge Cup against Ulster in Belfast. After Jacob Umaga's try gave the hosts a 41-38 lead with 15 minutes remaining, Slade levelled the score with a penalty four minutes later. He then scored the winning penalty in the 78th minute, sparking frustration among the home fans. The first half was marked by a frenetic pace, with Exeter taking a 14-7 lead courtesy of an early Olly Woodburn score and a penalty try. They extended their advantage to 24-14 after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's powerful try and Slade's subsequent conversion and penalty. However, the hosts equalized at the break following an impressive try by Onisi Ratave, accompanied by a conversion and penalty from Umaga. Exeter regained the lead two minutes into the second half with Harvey Skinner's converted try, only for Bautista Bernasconi to level the score for Benetton. Andrea Zambonin's try from short range 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 kick secured Exeter's victory. In another match, Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final against Bath. Toulouse made a strong start at Stade Chaban-Delmas but Bordeaux's defence held firm until Maxime Lamothe scored off a maul in the 23rd minute. The visitors responded instantly from the restart, with Yoram Moefana failing to catch the kick-off and Romain Ntamack eventually darting 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. Penaud was left requiring a head injury assessment. Despite this, Toulouse took the lead following a sweeping passing move that sent Teddy Thomas clear down the right, giving them a 12-5 advantage at the break. After Thomas Ramos strengthened Toulouse's lead with an early second-half penalty, Bordeaux rallied. Matthieu Jalibert collected his own kick through and dove over, while Toulouse's Antoine Dupont received a yellow card in the 56th minute for a trip. Bordeaux took control of the tie when Ben Tameifuna barged over and Maxime Lucu landed a long-range penalty just after the hour. Any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished when Arthur Retiere touched down Bordeaux's fourth try in the corner, followed by Lucu's penalty.