Cape Town - The Sharks will arrive a day earlier than normal ahead of their Super Rugby semi-final against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

Die Burger reports that coach John Plumtree's men will arrive in the Mother City on Thursday, instead of their usual Friday arrival time for Saturday matches.

"This time round we want to be there a little bit earlier," said Plumtree.

"The travelling is something we don't really talk about. We feel it's familiar territory - we're use to a bit of jet lag and can adapt accordingly.

"The guys are drinking enough water, resting well and are slowly getting ready for Saturday. We focus on what's ahead - not what happened in the past."

The Sharks had to travel to Australia last week where they beat the Reds 30-17 in Brisbane. A quick turnaround sees them in Cape Town this weekend and should they beat the Stormers they'll fly back to New Zealand for a final the next week against either the Chiefs or the Crusaders.

Meanwhile, fullback Patrick Lambie looks unlikely to be available for the Newlands clash. The Springbok missed the victory over the Reds due to a recurring ankle injury and was left at home to recuperate. It was expected that he would be fit for the last-four clash if the Durban team got that far, but Plumtree stated otherwise.

“Patrick didn’t train today(Tuesday),” Plumtree told SAPA on Tuesday.

“He’s doubtful, which is not good news for us, but Louis [Ludik] has been going really well at fullback.”

Plumtree also confirmed that junior Bok centre Paul Jordaan, who hobbled off against the Reds side due to a hamstring injury, faces a race against time to be fit for this weekend's clash.