Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell spent five months building a firm World Cup friendship, but on Saturday will revert to being the best of enemies.
The Harlequins and Saracens figureheads face off in a Premiership derby clash at The Stoop, setting aside all progress with England for more tribal concerns.
Smith might have started to blossom in Red Rose colours at full-back as England finished third in France, but has eyes for the No10 shirt in the long run.
The 24-year-old knows how to balance his ambition with the patience of both challenging and learning from his Test captain, the 32-year-old Farrell.
Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care explained that Smith fully appreciates how to pitch that England quest — without losing any of the desire that will light up Saturday's clash.
“I don’t think it’s betraying any secrets that Marcus wants to play 10 and he wants to play 10 for England,” said Care.
“But he also understands how good Owen is, that he’s our captain, and how good he was in that tournament.
“But Marcus fitted in where he was needed at the World Cup and did extremely well. Those two going at it this weekend will be amazing.
"Farrell and Smith going at it this weekend will be amazing"
“Marcus knows more than anyone that what he wants will need patience. He definitely wants it now, wants to play as many minutes and as many times as he can in an England shirt.
“But I know how respectful he is of Owen and how much he admires him as a player, a friend and a colleague.
“Being in camp, they’re always learning from each other, the same with George Ford, the three of them were little squirrels around the laptop. It’s amazing to have those three standout players in the one position.
“But once they’re back to the clubs, it’s a chance for them all to put their hands up for Six Nations selection. I think we’re very lucky to have them.”
The season’s first big London meeting will be awash with big-name battles, as early league leaders Quins host the reigning champions.
England’s players receive mandated rest time after their World Cup exploits, but that can be managed to best suit their clubs.
Saracens have mixed up their rest periods so far, but all the big guns will be rolled out for a match where bragging rights will forever be at stake.
Harlequins have won four of their first five league outings in a fine start to the campaign, but know full well facing a fired-up Saracens represents a major test.
Care is looking forward to Smith and Farrell going head-to-head just as much as any supporter.
“I remember the game last year at Tottenham, and a lot more people watched that game because of that match-up,” said Care.
“It’s great you’ve got two of the most well-known players going at each other this weekend, two who are very good friends and help each other a lot off the pitch. It’s always good when you see those battles, and they are there all over the park.
“They have so much talent right through their squad, so we know we’re going to have play very well..
“They are the best team in the league. We’ve spent a lot of time with a lot of them in the last few months with England. They will go full-bore at this and so will we.”
