Van der Flier has started two games in the Six Nations this year, the opening day defeat by France and the famous win over England at Murrayfield.
He was dropped from the squad for the victory against Italy and came off the bench in the win over Wales at the weekend.
The 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year says he has had to adapt to not playing every game for his country.
“I always want to start every game, that’s how you want to do it but for the team and development of the team, a lot of lads are playing well,” he added.
“Nick Timoney has been playing brilliant stuff, so aside from myself, it’s great to see him starting and playing really good stuff, the back row has been brilliant throughout, it’s a very competitive place.
“From my perspective, I don’t mind being on the bench, it’s a different role to starting, but it drives you on to start.”
The 32-year-old spoke of how a recent conversation with Ireland and Leinster teammate Garry Ringrose reshaped his view of the importance of players making an impact off the bench.
“He was saying about Jacques Nienaber at Leinster, at how the South Africans look at the bench and in basketball, it’s who you have on the pitch at the end of the game, so I know he [Jacques] would see it that way as well,” van der Flier explained.
“It’s a big role off the bench, it’s a privilege to more than likely be on the pitch at the end of the game, you’re looking to add impact and energy, it’s a slightly different role, but I’ve done it a good few times for Leinster and stuff and it’s a good way to add to the team.”
