The New Zealand Rugby Union has poured cold water on reports out of South Africa that the All Blacks could face the Springboks in Brazil in 2020.

The Afrikaans newspaper Rapport claims the two rugby rivals have been in talks to stage a one-off match in Sao Paulo.

But an NZR spokeswoman says it's not true.

The story, by noted rugby writer Hendrik Cronje of Afrikaans Sunday paper Die Rapport, didn't offer any detail except to say "talks to make it a reality have gained momentum recently."

Cronje writes that in casting about for new revenue streams, the cash-strapped South African Rugby Union has been eyeing the success of the All Blacks - Ireland game in Chicago in 2016, and the upcoming Bledisloe test against the Wallabies in Tokyo later this year.

SARU is also said to be at an early stage of talks to present a Springboks test in Hanover, Germany - and is expected to confirm this week a test against Wales in Washington on June 2 this year.

If that test is confirmed it will take place a week before the Boks play England in Johannesburg on June 9, presenting logistical complications and long flights.

New Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus is then expected to pick a squad built up mainly of South Africans playing in Europe.