Independent Media rugby writer Mike Greenaway picks this weekend’s rugby winners.

The United Rugby Championship is back in full force after most teams had a break during the Six Nations. As many as 15 of the 16 teams can still make the top eight and this round 13 weekend starts the race to eight. There will be some desperate battles but shrewd betting can earn punters a profit.

Cardiff v Lions in Cardiff, 9.35pm on Friday

This will be one of the closer games of the weekend and the bookies have the home team as slight favourites. Instead of betting on an outright winner, the handicap offers better value.

Betting angle

Lions on the +8.5 handicap (they can win or draw but must not lost by more than 8.5 for the bet to pay).

Sharks v Zebre in Durban, 2.45pm on Saturday

Zebre are having their best-ever season but that is not saying much and a Sharks team at home and with their eye on the ball surely will win. It is a question of how much.

Betting angle

Sharks on the -16.5 handicap (they must win by more than 16.5 points).

Scarlets v Stormers in Llanelli, 5pm on Saturday

The stars are lining up for the Stormers as they get back key players in Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Suleiman Hartzenberg and Damian Willemse. The bookies think it will be close but I’m backing the Stormers to win.

Betting angle

Stormers to win. R100 will learn you a profit of R70 at Hollywoodbets.

Bulls v Leinster in Pretoria, 5pm on Saturday

The Bulls are at home and fielding their strongest possible side while the Dublin team left most of their Ireland stars at home to recover from the Six Nations. There is no such thing as a weak Leinster side but the Bulls should win a close one.

Betting angle

Bulls to win.

Other URC games

Glasgow v Munster, Friday, 9.35pm

Glasgow to win

Benetton v Edinburgh, Saturday, 5pm

Benetton to win

Dragons v Ulster, Saturday, 7.15pm

Ulster to win

Ospreys v Connacht, Saturday, 7.15pm

Ospreys to win