Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

In a thrilling match, Exeter secured a 44-41 victory over Benetton, thanks to a late penalty kick by Henry Slade, setting the stage for a Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts, Benetton, had taken the lead with 15 minutes remaining, courtesy of Jacob Umaga's try, but Slade's precision kicking ultimately decided the outcome. His penalty in the 78th minute sealed the win for Exeter, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The first half was marked by a frenetic pace, with Exeter establishing a 14-7 lead through Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try. They further extended their advantage to 24-14 after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's successful conversion and penalty. However, Benetton levelled the score by halftime, courtesy of Onisi Ratave's outstanding try, followed by 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 score for Benetton. Exeter then pulled ahead 38-31 when Andrea Zambonin scored from close range in the 48th minute. Umaga's second penalty in the 63rd minute, followed by his try and conversion, gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Nonetheless, Slade's decisive kick ensured Exeter's victory. In another quarter-final match, Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15, setting up a semi-final encounter against Bath. Toulouse made a strong start at Stade Chaban-Delmas but Bordeaux's defence held firm. Maxime Lamothe scored off a maul in the 23rd minute, only for Toulouse to respond instantly through Romain Ntamack. A late first-half stoppage occurred after Dorian Aldegheri's high-danger challenge on Damian Penaud, resulting in a 20-minute red card for the Toulouse prop. Despite this setback, Toulouse took the lead into halftime through Teddy Thomas's try. Bordeaux, however, rallied in the second half. Matthieu Jalibert scored after collecting his own kick, and Bordeaux took control of the tie when Ben Tameifuna barged over and Maxime Lucu landed a long-range penalty. Any hopes of a Toulouse comeback were extinguished when Arthur Retiere touched down Bordeaux's fourth try, followed by Lucu's penalty, securing a 30-15 victory for the Champions Cup holders.