How might Nelson and Rodney fare against Yamato in the South China Sea in 1942?
Short answerYamato could use superior speed to influence range, but confined waters and British radar-controlled gunnery would make the fight dangerous, especially within a larger reinforced Force Z.
NotesYamato's speed gives her an important ability to choose or leave an engagement in open water. Confined seas reduce that freedom and expose her to early British radar-directed fire. Sending both Nelsons east also implies that British carrier and capital-ship losses elsewhere were lower, allowing a much stronger Force Z with KGVs, Queen Elizabeths, and Renown. The answer turns a duel into a fleet and theater problem.