Chris Parker’s side are eighth – a point and place ahead of their Limerick visitors – and the coach is hoping they can right the wrongs of last week’s defeat at Naas.

Parker said: “Disappointed with last week but we also have to admit that we weren't at our best and Naas were very good. We got what we deserved to be honest so we can't have any complaints.

“It’s the first game in the five that we haven't really performed in… no complaints, but disappointed nowthat we didn't perform to the best of our abilities.

“I suppose, like in previous weeks, there was games we should have won and the week before, [I] felt we definitely played well enough to win it but Saturday night was just disappointing.

“We just lost to a better side on the day and I think with how tight the division is, if you aren't on it and you come up against a team who really is on it, you're going to take a bit of a defeat.

“We dust ourselves down and go again. There's certainly no feeling sorry for ourselves after that performance.”

Parker admits Armagh need to start winning games in their quest to push up the table.

“Whilst the table's tight, it will split at some stage, and you don't want that to happen too soon unless you're in the top end of it,” he added.

“Saturday is important, it's not the be-all and end-all – we’re only approaching a third of the way through the season – but we're at home and I think there'll be a reaction from the boys after their under-par performance last week, and I have no doubt that they'll pitch up and give a very encouraging performance this week.”

Despite being second from bottom Parker is wary of the threat Garryowen will pose.

“There's a number of clubs pick up injuries week to week and stuff and it's very hard looking into form at the minute and especially, you know, two weeks ago the weather was so bad it negated pretty much every team's ability to play, so I think we'll just treat them on the day.

“We've watched video, they'll have watched video on us and we'll just try and deliver a better performance around our key principles both sides of the ball, and hopefully that can help take care of things.

“Garryowen are very direct and very physical with a good set-piece there.

“They've Brian Fitzgerald back into the centre who wasn't available to play from last year and he's an extremely good player, and then two Irish under-20s in the back three.

"So whilst they're very direct and physical, they've gas to burn out wide and they caused us bother last year in those areas.

"But we're a changed team and I think the group's so young and they're improving and learning week to week, and I've no doubt they'll improve and deliver a performance this week.”

Ulster hooker James McCormick starts, Ethan Graham and Shea O'Brien picked up injuries last week and are sidelined.

Nathan Hamilton comes into the wing and Matthew Hooks is at centre. Sam Cunningham switches to full back.

Instonians moved up to third after last week’s bonus point success over Trinity and face a tricky trip to Barnhall.

Jacob Boyd has returned from Ulster duty to take his place in the front row while brother Adam is at No8.

The bottom two in Division 1A clash at Ballymacarn Park as Ballynahinch host Cork Con.

Former Ulster winger Aaron Sexton starts but Mike Orchin-McKeever has no Ulster releases as he faces the side three points above his.