If a player accidentally hits the ball forward into the air, it isn't a knock on until the ball hits the ground, but is that player considered the ball carrier? Can that player be legally tackled, forcing a knock-on?
For example, a pass is made and a defender is able to bat the ball forward into the air. Can the intended recipient of the pass tackle the play who just batted the ball?
I believe that they can be tackled legally, but I haven't been able to find the supporting laws.
Basically if the player intentionally knocks the ball forwards then it is already a penalty. In fact this penalty is better than the knock on as you get a penalty kick instead of a scrum.
12(e)Intentional knock or throw forward. A player must not intentionally knock the ball forward with hand or arm, nor throw forward. Sanction: Penalty kick. A penalty try must be awarded if the offence prevents a try that would probably otherwise have been scored (http://www.irblaws.com/index.php?law=12)
If you intercept a pass, you must try to catch the ball, you cannot just bat at the ball (up or down).
From games I've watched the interpretation of it being hit instead of an accidental knock on comes down to how far the ball travels. If you "juggle" the ball from one hand to the other then that is considered ok. If the ball moves out of your reach then your not going to be able to catch it unless you bat the ball up in the air giving you time to chase.
If you're "juggling" the ball from one hand to the other then you are considered in posession of the ball and can be tackled.
