England scrum-half Matt Dawson has paid tribute to his Kwiw club coach Wayne Smith for the part he has played in the No.9's climb back to the top of the game.

Smith might not realise it, but his influence on England's revitalised scrum-half Matt Dawson has been significant.

And should Dawson celebrate a first international start for 12 months by guiding England to victory, then Smith can expect an appreciative nod in his direction.

Dawson, a Test Lion with 44 caps, has reclaimed England's scrum-half jersey by overtaking career-long rival Kyran Bracken and seeing off the considerable challenge of resurgent Gloucester number nine Andy Gomarsall.

Not since the demoralising Six Nations Grand Slam defeat against Ireland last October, has Dawson featured in an England line-up.

England captain that grey Dublin afternoon instead of the unavailable Martin Johnson, Dawson painfully watched more than half the match as a touchline spectator, having limped off injured.

Ireland's subsequent 20-14 victory, guaranteeing England a third successive Grand Slam failure at the final hurdle, merely added insult to Dawson's mental and physical state.

And he hasn't been seen since, apart from on the England bench, in nine subsequent Tests. Until now.

Dawson, as England chief Clive Woodward might say, is "there on merit," and few people who have witnessed his form in Northampton colours this season would argue.

By common consent, the 30-year-old is playing some of his best rugby since he first arrived on the international scene in 1995.

And Dawson has no doubt that Northampton coach Smith's influence since he arrived at Franklin's Gardens from New Zealand deserves considerable recognition.

"I have definitely moved on in the last 12 months, and moved forward positively," Dawson said.

"There were a lot of things going on off the pitch, as much as on it, but I've sorted those things out now, which has been very positive.

"Obviously, the acquisition of Wayne Smith as coach at Northampton has proved huge for the club, and individually, it has been a big boost for me to have a mentor there day in, day out.

"He is someone who can pull me aside and tell me some home truths about rugby and other issues, which is really important in a life that now and again can see you get wrapped up in your own little box.

"Sometimes, there is a stagnant couple of months in any career, and either it is time to move on, or people change around you. In this case, it was fortunate that Smithy came to the club.

"He has made me aware of things on the pitch, which I have been able to take away and use generally."

Dawson's experience will be crucial to the English cause as they seek only a fifth victory from 24 starts against New Zealand.

And you sense a steely determination that now he has got the jersey back, he doesn't intend relinquishing it without a fight.

"First and foremost, I would like to think that I have been selected purely on merit, not because of the way England are going to play," he said.

And dismissing any suggestion that he might have been picked effectively as a ninth forward operating behind England's juggernaut pack, Dawson added: "If England want to play a wide game, then I can do it just as well as anyone else.

"England have the ability to play it whichever way they deem necessary, and on top of that, they also have an ability now to play a different game if things change halfway through a game, which has maybe not been the case in years gone by."

Dawson though, is also ready for anything from the under-strength All Blacks - and their wily coach, former England assistant John Mitchell.

"New Zealand will have a very strong back-line, but Mitch is one for preparation and surprising the opposition, very much like Clive," he added.

"I think it is going to be one of those games where after the first 10 or 15 minutes, the team that is first to realise where to attack, will probably get the upper hand.

"It will be very confrontational up-front early on, with two very strong packs, and they will want to have that confrontation.

"And maybe New Zealand will want to play a wide game, but you never know with Mitch. He might turn that around, call a bluff and ask the forwards to fill their boots and go through the guts the whole way.

"I don't think anyone can be quite as presumptuous to say which way New Zealand are going to play. You have to be open-minded.

"Just because some of the names in the New Zealand line-up are different, does that mean they are vulnerable? I would probably say no."