England's ambitious bid to set up a Test rugby showdown with the All Blacks in November is reportedly dead in the water.
New Zealand Rugby had reportedly come in for a mega-offer from England's Rugby Football Union for a November 4 clash at Twickenham, with the two unions to share any revenue earned.
However, English media reports on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) suggested any chance of the two sides playing is over, with the All Blacks to instead play the Barbarians.
The match, on the same November 4 date and also at Twickenham, will mark the invitational side's 125th anniversary.
New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Tew reportedly insisted to his Rugby Football Union counterparts that the All Blacks play the invitational match, which the RFU will now rubber-stamp.
The match against the Barbarians will be followed by Tests against France, Scotland and Wales on New Zealand's northern tour.
England's record-equalling 18 straight Test wins was brought to an end by Ireland in last week's Six Nations clash, and coach Eddie Jones has expressed his interest in seeing his side taking on the All Blacks.
New Zealand and England have already locked in a Test for 2018.
