Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton as Slade Scores Winning Penalty

In a nail-biting finish, Henry Slade's late penalty secured Exeter's 44-41 win over Benetton, setting up a semi-final showdown against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts had taken the lead through Jacob Umaga's try with 15 minutes remaining, but Slade's accurate kicking ultimately decided the outcome, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The first half was a frenetic affair, with Exeter establishing a 14-7 lead courtesy of Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try. They extended their advantage to 24-14 after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, Benetton leveled the score by halftime, thanks to an exceptional try from Onisi Ratave and Umaga's conversion and penalty. The second half saw Exeter regain the lead through Harvey Skinner's converted try, only for Bautista Bernasconi to draw Benetton level once more. As the match neared its conclusion, Umaga's penalty and try put Benetton in front for the first time since the eighth minute, but Slade's decisive penalty sealed the win for Exeter. In another quarter-final match, Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final clash against Bath. Despite Toulouse's strong start, Bordeaux's defense held firm, and Maxime Lamothe's try from a maul gave them the lead. Toulouse responded instantly, but a red card for Dorian Aldegheri late in the first half hindered their progress. The visitors regained the lead in the second half, with Matthieu Jalibert and Ben Tameifuna scoring tries, while Maxime Lucu's penalty and Arthur Retiere's late try sealed the win for Bordeaux.