Exeter's Henry Slade seals Challenge Cup nail-biter over Benetton

A late penalty from Henry Slade saw Exeter edge out Benetton 44-41 and set up a Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster in Belfast.

Jacob Umaga’s try had given hosts Benetton a 41-38 lead with 15 minutes to go but Slade kicked a penalty to level it four minutes later, and then split the posts again in the 78th minute to win it – to the fury of the home fans.

In a frantic first half, Exeter led 14-7 after an early Olly Woodburn score and a penalty try, then went 24-14 up after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso barged his way over and Slade added a conversion and then a penalty.

The hosts were level at the break after an outstanding try from Onisi Ratave was followed by a conversion and penalty from Jacob Umaga, but Harvey Skinner’s converted try two minutes into the second half had Exeter in front once again.

Although Bautista Bernasconi dragged Benetton back level, it was 38-31 to the visitors when Andrea Zambonin crossed from short range in the 48th minute.

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Avg. Points Scored

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Avg. Points Scored

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Umaga kicked his second penalty in the 63rd minute and then moments later scored a try – that he converted – to give Benetton the lead for the first time since the eighth minute, but Slade’s boot had the final say.

Benetton: 15. Matt Gallagher, 14. Onisi Ratave, 13. Tommaso Menoncello, 12. Malakai Fekitoa, 11. Ignacio Mendy, 10. Jacob Umaga, 9. Andy Uren, 1. Thomas Gallo, 2. Bautista Bernasconi, 3. Giosue Zilocchi, 4. Niccolo Cannone, 5. Federico Ruzza (c), 6. Manuel Zuliani, 7. Riccardo Favretto, 8. Lorenzo Cannone

Replacements: 16. Siua Maile, 17. Destiny Aminu, 18. Tiziano Pasquali, 19. Sebastian Negri, 20. So’otala Fa’aso’o, 21. Alessandro Izekor, 22. Alessandro Garbisi, 23. Leonardo Marin

Exeter Chiefs: 15. Olly Woodburn, 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Will Rigg, 11. Campbell Ridl, 10. Harvey Skinner, 9. Steve Varney, 1. Scott Sio, 2. Jack Yeandle, 3. Jimmy Roots, 4. Dafydd Jenkins (c), 5. Andrea Zambonin, 6. Tom Hooper, 7. Ross Vintcent, 8. Greg Fisilau

Replacements: 16. Joseph Dweba, 17. Ethan Burger, 18. Bachuki Tchumbadze, 19. Rus Tuima, 20. Finn Worley-Brady, 21. Tom Cairns, 22. Will Haydon-Wood, 23. Dan John