(CNN) -- As the powerhouses of the rugby world continue to battle over the Web Ellis trophy in the knockout stages of the World Cup, some of the sport's less-fancied teams are making their way home after a valiant, if unsuccessful, fight in the group stages.





Since the tournament began in 1987, only four nations have walked away as world champions: New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and England.





Canada's Canucks, Georgia's Lelos or the U.S. Eagles were never the bookmakers' favorites to win the Cup and for obvious reasons. These emerging nations do not compete anywhere near as regularly as the elite sides and, along with tactical and experience deficiencies, face a daunting challenge to emerge from the bruising challenge of the pool matches in the world's most prestigious event.





But these teams do have heart and motivation and -- perhaps most of all -- they have the joy and passion of national pride. Whether or not they walk away with wins, it's being there, representing their nations and improving the standard of rugby within their countries, that matters most for them.





"When that flag is waving and the anthem plays before the game, if that doesn't get you going, you need to see a cardiologist," former Eagles player and coach Jack Clark told CNN. "It's just one of those moments where you feel not only a lot of responsibility, but you feel really privileged to have that responsibility."





Lelos making strides





Georgia did not make an appearance in the Rugby World Cup until 2003, but the they became an overnight sensation during that year's tournament with their passionate play, despite not actually winning a match.





The Lelos, named after an indigenous Georgian sport similar to rugby, also qualified for the 2007 finals and nearly caused a sensation by coming within a whisker of beating established nation Ireland. Just 11 days later, they beat Namibia 30-0 to record their first World Cup success.





For a nation that considers rugby to be a minority sport, Georgia are supported by an intensely loyal fan base and host a number of players who regularly compete in France, adding to their level of conditioning.





"The strength of our team is in our physicality," media manager Lasha Khurtsidze told CNN. "We always have very good forwards and our scrum is considered to be in the top five in the world. Our players have a very strong sense of pride and courage. They play like they are on a battlefield protecting their country."





Georgia qualified for this year's tournament after defeating Russia 36-8 and winning the European Nations Cup in 2010.





"We are determined to show the world that we are not underdogs," Khurtsidze added. "We want to prove that we deserve a place among the elite teams. We aim more at playing with dignity rather than winning, however, to win one or two matches is very important because expectations are very high here in Georgia."





In this year's tournament, Georgia narrowly lost to Scotland, England and Argentina, but beat Romania 25-7.





"I think Georgia surpassed expectations in this year's World Cup," Alex Payne, a Sky Sports broadcaster who regularly covers rugby, told CNN.





"I would have expected them to have lost more heavily to Scotland, England and Argentina, given those teams would have been very aware of what Georgia are capable of. Georgia were not taken lightly by any of those teams, and yet still, the margins of victory were more than respectable for a side that doesn't get that much competitive play.





"Georgia have come a long way in a short state of time," Payne added. "If they can add a bit more creativity and flair behind what they've got up front, then they will push forward."





Eye on the Eagles





The U.S. Eagles have participated in each World Cup since 1987 (except 1995, when they did not qualify), but going into this year's Cup, they had only ever won only two matches, both against Japan.





Although they are
Who are the leading contenders in world rugby? Which countries are emerging as leading contenders in world rugby? What are Georgia building up their reputation for? what makes them display pride
Zealand, South Africa, Australia and England. Canada's Canucks, Georgia's Lelos or the U.S. Eagles to prove that we deserve a place among the elite teams. their nations and improving the standard of rugby within their countries,
question: Who are the leading contenders in world rugby?, answer: Zealand, South Africa, Australia and England. | question: Which countries are emerging as leading contenders in world rugby?, answer: Canada's Canucks, Georgia's Lelos or the U.S. Eagles | question: What are Georgia building up their reputation for?, answer: to prove that we deserve a place among the elite teams. | question: what makes them display pride, answer: their nations and improving the standard of rugby within their countries,