"I will be taking anything I can get. If it's a bench spot, if it's a supporting role, if it's a Test spot - whatever they ask me to do I will give it everything," he said.
"If I am asked to play you know what you will get, if I am on the bench I will support the starting scrum-half 100%.
"Fundamentally we have got to maintain the unity we have shown so far. The way we have gelled has been better than the previous two tours I have been on.
"I am well aware of what New Zealand sides will contain but I think people may be a little too quick to forget that for a Lion it may be their one chance to perform.
"Whatever breath the British & Irish Lions have in their body will be coming out (on Saturday). Everyone realises if we we want to be successful in New Zealand that has got to happen."
Dawson is the most experienced Lion on tour having played 13 times, including five Tests and all three on the victorious 1997 tour of South Africa.
But there was a point, last winter, when a place on this tour seemed unlikely when Dawson was dropped from the England squad after missing a training session to fulfil his television commitments.
A strong season for Wasps earned him a recall for the Six Nations championship and although he was still behind Harry Ellis in the pecking order, Sir Clive Woodward clearly recognised his experience would be vital for the Lions.
"The whole of my year has been exactly how I wanted it to be. I made it very apparent at the start of the year that my focus was on Wasps. That is where I wanted to play my rugby," he said.
"The situation changed because of other commitments. A lot was made of it but it was no big deal.
"I carried on performing in a Wasps shirt. They asked me back in the Six Nations. I had a couple of opportunities to show where my form was going and I have been picked for a Lions tour.
"I have not been shouting and screaming about playing international football. I wanted to get back to a level where I have been happy week-in, week-out and fortunately it has got me on this trip."
The competition is fierce with Chris Cusiter and Gareth Cooper also challenging Dwayne Peel, who will start against Bay of Plenty.
"I come on this tour and I have that passion and desire to be the Test scrum half," said Dawson.
"I know I am developing my own game and for a 32-year-old to say I am learning something as a scrum-half, that is where I wanted to be. I didn't want to be in that same stagnant pond I was a couple of years ago. I am a believer in myself."
Dawson is positive about the side's chances of beating the All Blacks, adding: "I don't think the beginning of the trip could have gone any better as far as the whole package is concerned.
"As a British & Irish Lions touring party everything has been really sound. The social side of things has been fantastic, everyone is gelling really well.
"On the park it has been very intensive with and without the ball all for one goal. Ultimately that is where we want to be at the end of the tour, all singing from the same hymn sheet.
"The training regime is awesome. It is an awesome set up."
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