On Friday 6 November, the lights at the Aviva Stadium come on for a different kind of Test match. Ireland host Argentina at 8.10pm. It is not a friendly, whatever the old autumn habits say. It is a game in the new Nations Championship, and every point counts.

Over three weekends, Andy Farrell’s side will play Argentina, Fiji and South Africa at home. By the end of November, we will know if they can finish on top of the north.

A new competition with real stakes

For years, the autumn Tests were stand-alone games. You won, you lost, and you moved on. Coaches often used them to try young players, and some games felt like training runs. The Nations Championship has changed that, because now every result goes into a table.

Twelve teams take part. The six Six Nations sides meet the four big southern nations, plus Fiji and Japan. Each side plays the six teams from the other half of the world once. Three rounds were played in July, and the last three come in November.

Teams are then ranked from one to six in their own hemisphere. A win is worth four points. Bonus points are on offer too, so even a losing side can take something home. The finals take place at Twickenham from 27 to 29 November. The top northern team meets the top southern team in the final. There is even a Ryder Cup-style contest, where each play-off win earns a point for that hemisphere.

What July told us about Ireland

Ireland went south in July and came home with a mixed report. It was good in parts, but not good enough. They won two of their three games, against Australia and Japan. Then New Zealand beat them 40-21 at Eden Park.

That loss hurt. Ireland looked off the pace, and the All Blacks were ruthless. Three Tests in three weeks on the other side of the world is never easy. It showed by the end. After three rounds, Ireland sat fourth in the northern table with 10 points. Their points difference was minus one, which shows how close the margins are.

There was also a strange side story. The Japan game was moved to Newcastle in Australia. Only 11,021 people turned up, the lowest crowd of the whole tournament. It was not the kind of occasion Irish fans will remember for long.

Three home games, three different tests

November gives Ireland a big chance to climb. All three games are in Dublin, and Ireland rarely lose there.

Argentina come first, and they should not be taken lightly. They are physical and hard to break down, and they love a scrap. A Friday night start adds to the feeling of a big event. Fiji follow on 14 November, and Irish fans know how dangerous they can be. They bring pace and power, and any loose kick can turn into a try at the other end.

Then comes South Africa on Saturday 21 November. That is the one everyone has circled. The world champions are the hardest team on the planet to beat. The two sides have traded wins in recent years, and the games are always close. Win that one, and Ireland could jump to the top of the north.

A tournament fans can follow closely

A new format means new things to watch, and a few new habits for fans. Bonus points, points difference and the final standings all matter more now. It gives fans a reason to follow every game, not only Ireland’s.

Many fans already like to add a small interest to a big rugby weekend. For them, it is worth checking the betting sites in Ireland to see which ones cover the Nations Championship well. Look for markets on the winner, the margin and the first try scorer. Set a limit and stay inside it, because the rugby is the main event.

Can Ireland finish top of the north?

So, what will these November nights bring? If Ireland win all three games, they have a real shot at the top spot. That would mean a final at Twickenham against the best side from the south, probably New Zealand or South Africa.

My guess is that the Springbok game will decide it. Argentina and Fiji are tough, but Ireland should win at home. South Africa is a different matter. They will come to Dublin with a big pack and a lot of belief.

It all starts on a Friday night in Dublin, with a big crowd and a cold November wind. Farrell will want a fast start and no slips. Get past Argentina, and the rest of November could be very special.