TOKYO (AP) — Nick Champion de Crespigny marked his debut as captain with a try as a misfiring Australia overcame Japan 19-15 to open its five-match Northern Hemisphere tour Saturday.

De Crespigny became Australia’s 92nd test captain after only 72 minutes of test rugby but showed his potential with a physical performance and with the first of Australia’s three tries after 13 minutes.

Center Josh Flook and Carlo Tizzano also scored as Australia struggled in wet conditions against Japan’s tight defense.

Australia led 14-3 at halftime and was only just hanging on at times as Japan scored two tries to one in the second half. Prop Shuhei Takeuchi and Ben Gunter scored for Japan, keeping the score close, while Tizzano scored for Australia from a powerful lineout drive.

The Wallabies struggled

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