The 27-year-old has been in the wars this time around as well, breaking a bone in her hand.
However, a less serious injury, earlier in the season, means she feels part of a group expedition, rather than a rehabbing soloist, as she works towards a different outcome.
“It’s all fine and I’m very healthy right now,” she said.
“This time around, I’m able to connect with the team much better and climb that mountain with everyone.”
Mitchell has told his players that the priority in Mont-de-Marsan is performance, rather than extending their current winning streak to a 27th match.
After England trounced Spain at home last weekend, Dow is expecting a bracing evening in south-west France, one that will steel a near full-strength side for challenges to come.
“I love the French crowd. They’re here for the dramatics, they’re here for the entertainment,” she said.
“It’s really important for us that we don’t look to our left and right, and we look forward as a team.
“All these things that can be thrown at us are really important for us to grow and handle, because it means when things do get tougher, we’ll be able to handle them as well.”
If they slip up in France, it doesn’t mean they won’t reach the summit in September. It might actually help them do so.
