George Ford is an artist and a pragmatist rolled into one and the England fly-half is quickly discovering that the latter trait is a more consistently valuable asset in international rugby . The 21-year-old Bath playmaker spends most weekends with his club demonstrating the range of his attacking game — as a creative rookie able to unravel defences at close quarters . He has shown that part of his repertoire during this RBS 6 Nations , but is also having to embrace the earthier demands of his role , involving substance over style . England ’ s defeat by Ireland in Dublin gave Ford a first-hand view of Jonny Sexton , the home fly-half , following orders to the letter and quelling his own instincts in the process . The Lions No 10 led an aerial onslaught which the visitors failed to handle . George Ford is prepared to sacrifice style over substance in the quest for victories at international level . Ford and team-mate Geoff Parling are put through their paces at Penyhill Park on Wednesday . Asked whether he would feel fulfilled if ordered to kick so often , Ford said : ‘ It was obviously Ireland ’ s plan . If they come in with a plan and execute it as well as they did and come out with a 10-point win , then you would ( feel fulfilled ) . You don ’ t always have to play the same way against different teams . ‘ You go into a game with a plan and if it comes off at the weekend , you feel you ’ ve done your job. ’ But surely he gains more satisfaction from conjuring tries than kicking for territory ? ‘ People always like to score tries , ’ he added . ‘ They are more exciting . But they are difficult to get in international rugby . ‘ It ’ s about small margins , little things ; your kicking being on the money , your set-piece and breakdown being strong . Ford offloads a pass during training as England prepare for Saturday 's Six Nations match against Scotland . Stuart Lancaster oversees training as his side prepare to face Scotland in the Six Nations on Saturday . ‘ The fancy things come from the foundations being in place. ’ The substance versus style issue will be on the agenda again in assessing how England fare on Saturday against Scotland at Twickenham , where they will be expected to win with plenty to spare against opponents who have lost all three games so far . Ford knows the result is the bottom line , but is aware the hosts need to perform with a flourish too . ‘ We ’ re not going into the game to play averagely , ’ he said . ‘ We ’ re going into the game looking for a really good performance . That will always be our aim . First and foremost we need the win . It ’ s vital we get it . But obviously we want to go out there and put in a good performance and have a good reaction . ’
Scotland take on England at Twickenham in the Six Nations on Saturday . Stuart Lancaster 's side were defeated by Ireland in their last match . George Ford says tries at international level are hard to come by . ‘ It ’ s about small margins , your kicking being on the money , ' Ford said .