European Challenge Cup Quarter-Final
Tries: N Cannone, Umaga 2, Bernasconi, Ratave, Umaga 2
Conversions: Umaga 5
Penalties: Umaga 2
Tries: Woodburn, Penalty Try, Feyi-Waboso, Skinner, Zambonin
Conversions: Slade 4
Penalties: Slade 3
Henry Slade demonstrated remarkable composure by successfully kicking a 79th-minute penalty against Benetton, securing Exeter Chiefs a place in the European Challenge Cup semi-finals.
The England centre converted his seventh penalty from seven attempts, delivering the decisive points in a thrilling match held at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo.
Although Benetton controlled much of the possession, Exeter’s clinical execution resulted in a high-scoring contest featuring ten tries, with Slade’s accurate kicking ultimately proving decisive.
The Chiefs will face Ulster in the semi-final scheduled for the weekend of 2 May.
Match Summary
Benetton began strongly, despite losing their captain Michele Lamaro on the morning of the game due to his partner going into labour. The Italian side took an early lead in the fifth minute through a try by Italy international second row Niccolo Cannone.
Exeter responded promptly when veteran full-back Olly Woodburn received a pass from Slade and scored three minutes later, setting the tone for a competitive encounter.
In the 16th minute, Benetton’s attempt to pull down an advancing Exeter lineout drive resulted in a penalty try awarded to the Chiefs, and wing Onisi Ratave was sin-binned.
Despite being a player down, Benetton equalised with the first of two tries from Jacob Umaga, following a powerful run by Tomasso Menoncello.
Manny Feyi-Waboso showcased his finishing ability by scoring to restore Exeter’s lead, which Slade extended with a penalty kick.
Ratave then powered over for his 13th try in 13 Challenge Cup games, and Umaga converted a long-range penalty just before halftime to level the score at 24-24.
Fast-paced try scoring continued after the break, with Harvey Skinner and Andrea Zambonin crossing for Exeter, while Bautista Bernasconi scored for Benetton.
Umaga reduced the deficit with a penalty shortly after the hour mark, and with 14 minutes remaining, his second penalty put Benetton ahead.
Exeter responded with a long-range penalty from Slade to draw level. Maintaining possession in the closing stages, the Chiefs earned a penalty for offside, which Slade converted from 25 metres to secure victory.
Team Lineups
Benetton: Gallagher; Ratave, Menoncello, Fekitoa, Mendy; Umaga, Uren; Gallo, Bernasconi, Zilocchi, N Cannone, Ruzza, Zuliani, Favretto, L Cannone
Replacements: Maile, Aminu, Pasquali, Negri, Fa'aso'o, Izekor, A Garbisi, Marin
Exeter Chiefs: Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Rigg, Ridl; Skinner, Varney; Sio, Yeandle, Roots, Jenkins, Zambonin, Hooper, Vintcent, Fisilau
Replacements: Dweba, Burger, Tchumbadze, Tuima, Worley-Brady, Cairns, Haydon-Wood, John
