Alex Dombrandt has been tipped to prove his World Cup point and force his way back into England’s ranks.
The Harlequins No8 was overlooked for the tournament, despite featuring as a regular across the build-up.
The 26-year-old has impressed everyone at Quins in coping with that disappointment, hitting top form from the start of the new campaign.
Dombrandt has even shouldered the captaincy in Stephan Lewies’s injury absence, and will lead Quins again in Friday's Premiership trip to Northampton.
Regular captain Lewies hailed Dombrandt for harnessing his England hurt in club colours, and backed him for a quick Test return.
“He was gutted. Look, he’d played every single game leading up to the World Cup, then not to make it was tough on him,” said Lewies.
“To be fair, the way he’s really responded, he has come back into our environment and really added to it.
"I think he has some extra motivation, something to prove, and you can see that in his games"
“I think he has some extra motivation, something to prove, and you can see that in his games. He’s picked up where he left off.
“His main goal would be to get back into that white jersey and represent England, and I’m sure he will be able to do that in the future.”
Lewies has a knee ligament injury and is aiming to close in on a comeback in the next few weeks.
The 31-year-old lock believes that extra leadership responsibilities have helped Dombrandt focus even further on elevating his game.
“The way Dommers has stepped up and his role as the captain this season, it’s been massive,” said Lewies.
“The growth we’ve all seen in him as compared to other seasons as a leader has been massive.
“Obviously, everyone’s different, but when you have to lead, you start looking at the game in different ways, different areas, understand different positions better, and you understand what’s needed in different positions in different times of the game.
“And that probably helps you in international rugby, because you’re constantly having to assess what’s needed in what period of the game.
“So, I think those leadership skills will definitely add to his game. In previous years when I had injuries I was still very much involved in every meeting. This time around, I’ve tried to step back a little bit.
“We have some great leaders in the side, so by me stepping back, they have stepped up. And I think it’s helped some of those leaders develop as well. So, from my side, it’s just supporting them as much as I can.”
Quins head to Northampton seeking to hit back quickly from last weekend’s 38-10 derby drubbing by Saracens at The Stoop.
Fit-again Cadan Murley starts on the wing, with Danny Care in from the off to partner Marcus Smith in the half-backs.
Summer recruit Dillon Lewis makes his first Quins start at tight-head prop, with Irne Herbst slotting in at lock.
Harlequins believe the strength and depth of their squad can drive their league challenge this season.
Big names like Joe Marler and Joe Launchbury do not feature this weekend as Quins’ coaching staff will manage their work load carefully.
“We didn’t pitch up at all against Sarries and we got punished,” said Lewies.
“A Friday game has meant no time to dwell on it, though, which has helped in looking at things quickly and moving forward.”
