Six Nations: George Ford ready for Wales onslaught as England head to Cardiff

George Ford insists he is not England's weak link as he prepares to face Wales in the Six Nations opener at the Millennium Stadium on Friday evening.

The 21-year-old Bath fly-half will be making only his third Test start in Cardiff and is likely to be targeted by Wales, but he is ready for the onslaught.

"I know what's coming. It happens in most matches you play as a 10 - you get targeted," said Ford.

"They look for you defensively and want you to make you tackles. It's something you expect and prepare for.

"They want you to make as many tackles as possible to take other aspects of your game away, whether that's your attack, kicking game or game management.

"I like that part of the game - I like the responsibility of making my tackles because I want to contribute in defence as well as attack."

Passion

Ford has been among of the beneficiaries of Wales fans' songs such 'Hymns and Arias' being played at full volume over the loudspeakers during training at the squad's Pennyhill Park base on Wednesday in preparation for the noise and passion that awaits at the Millennium Stadium, where England have insisted on the roof being left open.

Only eight of the matchday 23 have played in the Welsh capital before and Ford, who shoulders the goalkicking duties on his first visit to Cardiff, is grateful for the meticulous preparation.

"It was good training with the speakers on. They were obviously very loud, but it was definitely something we needed to do because of the atmosphere and noise that will be there on Friday night," he said.

I like the responsibility of making my tackles because I want to contribute in defence as well as attack.

"Communication will be massive so to practice under those conditions will definitely be worthwhile. I'm glad we did it.

"I'm excited about this game, about playing in front of a passionate Welsh crowd. I'll enjoy it and embrace it. We'll try to quieten them as much as we can.

"I haven't really thought about the goalkicking aspect. Either way, you've still got to kick and go through your pre-shot routine.

"You've still got to get the ball through the posts so whether it's loud or quiet, it shouldn't really affect you anyway.

"If it's like that you've got to get on with it. It doesn't really make it easier or harder if it's noisy anyway because you're in your own little bubble, concentrating on the kick."

Joseph

Ford will be looking to unleash Bath team-mate Jonathan Joseph on Wales with England opting for the in-form but inexperienced outside centre to partner Luther Burrell in midfield.

"Jonathan has been world-class in attack and his defence has been brilliant as well - he leads that at the club," Ford said.

"Jonathan has that ability to create something out of nothing with an outside break or his off-loads with one hand.

"In attack he offers something different with his speed, agility and outside break. It is our job, at the right time, to get him into the right positions to show what he can do.

"There aren't many players around who can create things like that and to play with him is massively exciting.

"He always wants the ball in his hands in attack, but he is also good at the things people don't see, like his kick-chase and his communication about when to kick and so on."