Henry Slade holds nerve as Exeter snatch dramatic semi-final spot

A late penalty from Henry Slade sent Exeter Chiefs into the European Challenge Cup semi-finals after a pulsating victory over Benetton Rugby in Treviso.

With the clock ticking into the 79th minute, Slade calmly converted his seventh successful kick of the evening to seal a thrilling win at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo, capping a high-scoring contest that produced 10 tries.

Despite Benetton enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Exeter’s clinical finishing ensured they remained firmly in contention throughout, ultimately relying on Slade’s flawless accuracy from the tee to edge the result.

The Chiefs will now travel to face Ulster Rugby in the semi-finals on Saturday, 2 May, while Dragons RFC will take on Montpellier Hérault Rugby in the other last-four clash.

Benetton made a flying start, taking the lead inside five minutes through Italy international Niccolò Cannone. The home side had been dealt a blow earlier in the day, with captain Michele Lamaro withdrawing after his partner went into labour.

Exeter responded almost immediately, with veteran full-back Olly Woodburn finishing off a slick move just three minutes later to set the tone for a see-saw encounter.

The visitors moved ahead in the 16th minute when a dominant lineout drive resulted in a penalty try, with Benetton winger Onisi Ratave sent to the sin-bin. Yet even a man down, the Italian side fought back, as Jacob Umaga crossed following a powerful break from Tommaso Menoncello.

Further tries from Manny Feyi-Waboso and a Slade penalty extended Exeter’s lead, but Ratave powered over to continue his prolific scoring run in the competition. Umaga’s long-range penalty with the final kick of the half ensured the sides went in level at 24-24.

The scoring spree continued after the break. Harvey Skinner and Andrea Zambonin touched down for Exeter, either side of a try from Benetton hooker Bautista Bernasconi.

Umaga kept Benetton in touch with successive penalties and edged them ahead with 14 minutes remaining, putting the hosts on course for a famous victory.

However, Exeter refused to relent. Slade brought his side level with another long-range kick before the Chiefs maintained composure in the closing stages. Their patience paid off when Benetton were penalised for offside, allowing Slade to step up once more and deliver the decisive blow from 25 metres.