Why ping-pong?

[bellnier]

No, I think the critical word is present tense "have" (not 'had'). This is the picture in my head...I tackle you...we both go to ground...you release the ball. I get to my feet before you, and no one has yet commited to the ruck. As I put my hands on ball which is still on the ground, the ruck forms. The Law allows me to play the ball on the ground with my hands.
But maybe not...

[TheRugbyologist]

Originally Posted by bellnier

No, I think the critical word is present tense "have" (not 'had'). This is the picture in my head...I tackle you...we both go to ground...you release the ball. I get to my feet before you, and no one has yet commited to the ruck. As I put my hands on ball which is still on the ground, the ruck forms. The Law allows me to play the ball on the ground with my hands.
But maybe not...

This is exactly the case. It is the only exception allowing handling in the ruck.

Given the official desire to streamline this phase, I would have preferred it if they had gone in the other direction and restricted handling post tackle rather than liberalized it. Rucking requires players to use their arms to bind, not handle.

[bellnier]

I agree...this too is my preference. If the ball is still on the ground and rucking begins, then no hands, tackler must ruck. If the tackler has actually managed to lift the ball off the ground as the players engage, then it's really a maul.