i played at 9 for a while and i had the same problem but i thought what do i have at home to help me with such a problem as i know the play cant always be placed perfectly for you. so i got a low table with a good clearence (against a wall) to get my foot under rolled it in like a scrum (in at the side then go round to the bigger part) and pracised raking it out. when i felt confident to do it i put a few t-shirts on top of the ball to help. it kinda acts as if its caught on something/someone. when you feel you can take the next step put a big weight or some flat but abut 3-4 inches high on the floor so you have to bump it over the top and do it quickly so it bobbles about a bit as if its a game situation and your right on there try line so you can practise the quick ball. (now being a forward is great as i'd be coming from deep at full pelt to get over the line and quick ball is essential) keep practising try getting your heart rate up too as that'll help when it comes to game day when when your nakered you can make mistakes oh and try using your foot as most refs will say that the ball is out when you've got hands on
You shouldn't be having to dig the ball out. Your forwards should be serving the ball to you on a plate. If it's still in the ruck you can't handle the ball.
