"He's got so many skills for a big boy," said Sacred Heart College old boy David Brenan.
"You rarely get a prop the size of him who can score two tries from halfway."
The 18-year-old boarder, understood to be struggling with the attention, starred in yesterday's 22-3 victory over Mt Albert Grammar School. Sacred Heart principal Jim Dale said the school has taken precautions to shield the young player, including keeping him away from social media.
"We're trying to keep him concentrating on the core business of doing his schoolwork and enjoying his rugby," said Dale.
The teen grew up admiring the Wallabies but the Blues have him in a development squad, while the Chiefs and the Warriors have confirmed they are watching his progress.
Tupou's agent Daniel O'Loughlin flew in from Australia for the match and said it was important the teen passed NCEA Level 3 to give him options at tertiary level.
He said Tupou was overwhelmed by the media attention, as was the boy's mother, but she was also very proud.
