The three reasons why Harlequins fans can be positive despite worst start in 17 years, writes ALEX BYWATER

For most of this game at a flat-as-a-pancake CorpAcq Stadium, Alex Sanderson looked on helplessly as his Sale side struggled badly and Marcus Smith served up a timely reminder of his attacking brilliance. That was particularly the case before half-time as Smith – on his first appearance of the season – waved his magic wand and in the process turned Harlequins from the rabble they had resembled in their first two games into a team with demonstrable signs of promise. The Londoners should have won.