sentences:  While the Japanese soldiers and officers on the ground fought bravely, continuing the assault even when it was clear it had failed, ultimately the battle proved to be a decisive Australian victory; however, James notes that poor planning and unreliable communications had also contributed to the result.Long goes on to argue that if the Japanese commander had been more flexible in his tactics, the result might have been different.The Australian right flank had been vulnerable, but Akinaga did not exploit this opportunity.