Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

In a nail-biting finish, Henry Slade's late penalty sealed Exeter's 44-41 win over Benetton, setting up a Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster. The hosts had taken the lead through Jacob Umaga's try, but Slade's kicks in the 74th and 78th minutes turned the tide. The first half was a frantic affair, with Exeter leading 14-7 and 24-14 at different stages, thanks to tries from Olly Woodburn, a penalty try, and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. However, Benetton levelled the score by half-time through an outstanding try from Onisi Ratave and Umaga's conversion and penalty. The second half saw the lead change hands multiple times, with Harvey Skinner's try giving Exeter the edge, only for Bautista Bernasconi to drag Benetton back level. Andrea Zambonin's try put Exeter ahead 38-31, but Umaga's penalty and try gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's decisive kicks secured the win for Exeter. In another quarter-final match, Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final against Bath. Bordeaux's defence held firm despite Toulouse's strong start, and Maxime Lamothe's try off a maul gave them the lead. Although Toulouse replied instantly, Bordeaux rallied in the second half, with Matthieu Jalibert collecting his own kick to score, and Ben Tameifuna barging over to take control of the tie. Arthur Retiere's try and Maxime Lucu's penalty sealed the win for Bordeaux.