With Sanji Vs Lucci we’re looking at a much Longer , more brutal, but also more aesthetically pleasing Fight.
The hell is Lucci going to do against Sanji? Where is the evidence he has the AP to hurt Sanji? He doesn't even have the speed to keep up.
Zoro protects Vegapunk and fends off NusJuro pretty damn good.

Zoro's relative lack of speed, mobility and traverse would've ruled out running on his own, which would've been a terrible use of Zoro's skill set anyway, considering his defensive capability with his swords.
Zoro isn't built to run and protect the weak at the same time, but he is built to hold the line.
I think he and Luffy could've saved Vegapunk if they held the line together long enough for reinforcements to arrive - which it would if Sanji fought Lucci, cause he'd fuck him up in no time.