Naas (signed by Naas)

SIGNED & DATED BY NAAS AND ALSO SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR, Leo books, 1989, 267 pages, illustrated, hardcover, index, condition: very good.

Hendrik Egnatius 'Naas' Botha (born 27 February 1958) is a South African former Springbok. He was voted Rugby Player of the Year in 1979, 1981, 1985 and 1987. Naas  was best known for extremely accurate (both left- and right-footed) kicking, which earned him the nickname "Nasty Booter" from the British press.

He is best remembered for his abilities as a very successful drop-kicker in high pressure situations and is also considered to have had an outstanding tactical understanding of rugby.

While Botha was sometimes criticised for avoiding physical contact and not running with the ball, his handling of the ball was very deft and he could get his backline moving very quickly with accurate short and long range passing. As a result, he scored many tries and contributed to many more. However, some consider that he was somewhat weak in defence. Nevertheless, Danie Craven once said, "Give me Naas, and I'll conquer the world!"