Strewthcobber
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Just to add to that, you don't have to let go of the ball in a ruck if you have hands on before it forms, and are on your feet. So it's not just about penalties, you don't have to immediately let go of the ball in a ruck (ie when one oppo player arrives) if you on your feet with hands on the ball - which is shown by the lift. Which might result in legal tunovers, or legal slowing the ball downA lift demonstrates to everyone that you’re in a balanced, legal spot to actually compete for the ball - rather than being overbalanced/ off feet etc. Also the penalty goes against the ball carrier for not releasing - so logically if you don’t try and steal it they haven’t not released (ball carrier can play or pop the ball too). You don’t have to necessarily come out with it or hold on after the hit.