Ireland – Scotland: Ireland need a ‘big performance’ to beat Scotland – Josh van der Flier

Van der Vlier has started two matches in this year’s Six Nations, the opening day defeat to France and the famous away win over England.

He was left out of the squad for the win over 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.

He added: “I always want to start every match, that’s how you want to do it, but for the team and the development of the team, a lot of players are playing well.”

“Nick Timoney has done great things, so, off the bat, it’s great to see him start and play really good things, and the back row has been fantastic throughout, it’s a very competitive place.

“From my point of view, I don’t mind being on the bench, it’s a different role to starting, but it gets you started.”

The 32-year-old spoke about how a recent conversation with Ireland and his Leinster team-mate Gary Ringrose reshaped his view on the importance of the influence of players off the bench.

“He was talking about Jack Nienaber at Leinster, and the way South Africans look at the bench and in basketball, he’s the one on the court at the end of the game, so I know he’s [Jacques] It’s that way too, Van der Flier explained.

“It’s a big role on the bench, it’s a huge honor to be on the pitch at the end of the game.

“You’re looking to add influence and energy. It’s a bit of a different role, but I’ve done that a good few times with Leinster and it’s a good way to add to the squad.”