Strong performances in his debut season at provincial level with Counties Manukau saw him named in the squad ahead of the 2013 Super Rugby season. In a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Richie McCaw and Kieran Read in the loose forward department, Tupou's rookie season at Super Rugby level was limited to just two substitute appearances. However, over the following three seasons spent in Canterbury, he became a regular in the 23 man squad. With his appearances generally restricted to that of a second-half substitute, he turned out 12, 11 and 12 times across the 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons.