Smart hiding among virile group facing Asterix? (7)

I believe the answer is:

maniple

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'group facing asterix?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'smart hiding among virile' is the wordplay.
'smart hiding' becomes 'nip' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'among' indicates putting letters inside.
'virile' becomes 'male' (synonyms).
'nip' put inside 'male' is 'MANIPLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for maniple that I've seen before include "Band of priests" , "Military unit" , "church vestment" , "company" , "Garment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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