Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones doubts sought-after Australian star Matt Giteau will accept an offer from ambitious French club Bayonne, saying the lure of playing in the next World Cup will keep the gifted playmaker in Wallabies colours.
Jones, director of rugby at English outfit Saracens, has also rubbished reports the deal put to Giteau is worth $9.6m over three years.
The ex-Australian revealed the offer is closer to $3.6m but said whatever the figure, Giteau won't be persuaded to give us his Test jumper.
"I think he's still got a lot to offer Australian rugby. I'm sure he wants to play in the next World Cup and maybe then to look to play overseas," Jones told 2KY on Tuesday.
"I'd be very surprised if he took that offer. I don't think he will go."
Jones added: "It's good money but nothing like they're talking about."
"It's not that much ($9.6m). They've got those figures wrong."
"There must be something wrong with those conversion charts in Australia."
"(But) it is a very good offer - it's probably as high as any player's been offered in Europe."
Jones will partner ex-South African coach Jake White in guiding the Barbarians against Australia at Wembley on Thursday morning (Australian time).
It's the last stop on the Wallabies' spring tour, with their five games to date yielding three wins (Italy, France, England) and two losses (New Zealand, Wales).
Jones sees both positives and negatives for coach Robbie Deans.
"Their performance on tour hasn't been fantastic," he said.
"They struggled to beat Italy, they did some good things against France, England they were pretty good and Wales was obviously disappointing."
"I think what it's shown is that if there is an injury to key players we still don't have the depth and quality of South Africa and New Zealand."
"But I think they are developing well."
Former Wallabies captain George Gregan will line-up for the Barbarians against Australia, with Jones promising the side will honour the Baa Baas tradition of playing attractive, running rugby.