I think you'll find it was just a turn of phrase. Tiger brakes are indeed pretty use-less (in the literal sense of not being of use) in its natural environment of grass fields and chocked run-ups. As a result, apart from in Canada, they weren't fitted. Low landing speed, friction and drag are quite sufficient for a short stop, and a burst of power together with the tail skid linked to the rudder gives sufficient steering authority on the ground. On the other hand, if using a "modern" hard runway, especially in a crosswind, you can easily go for a wander and it's best to keep the tail up as long as possible. Thankfully, such runways tend to be long so stopping is less of an issue than keeping straight!