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...