Why do the penalty takers in rugby clasp their hands before they take it?

Question

Why do the penalty takers in rugby clasp their hands before they take it?

Answer 1

They are praying to the rugby God.

Answer 2

To get the best possible kick out of your posture, you are best to have your body square-on to the ball. Some kickers such as Wilkinson choose to clasp their hands together and stick up their thumb so as to centralise their posture. If the ball is directly above their raised thumb, then they know they are in the right position to get the best out of a kick. Wilkinson got this style from Rob Andrew, who had the most awkward kicking style seen in International Rugby to that date ... but his record spoke for itself!

Answer 3

They are praying

Answer 4

Because they think that somehow by standing in the same retarded stance as Johnny Wilkinson that they can channel his kicking ability. Or it could just be a confidence thing...

Answer 5

They are pleading with the ball!...Saying "Please..PLEASE go between the POST"!